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Old 04-05-2017, 05:36 AM
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imprezap2 imprezap2 is offline
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Default Any experience with Karan Acoustics

Does anybody have some experience with Karan Acoustics amplifiers ?

I am having my eye on the KAL Reference mkIII pre-amp and KAM900 mono blocks.

It's a Servian manufacturer, I believe for 30 years already, the owner does not have his own website, sites are done by some dealers/importers.

from one of the websites:
Technical data:
* 16 ultra fast Sanken RET output power devices, with a total current capability of 320 Amperes;
* 8 stages of voltage regulation;
* Current feedback topology, with no overall feedback and with only 0.03% Intermediation distortion (IMD) at rated power output into 8 Ohms;
* Each channel uses two 1.000 VA low noise toroidal transformer and 132.000µF of total capacitance;
* Frequency response DC-300kHz +0, -3 dB;
* S/N ratio better than -112 dB at rated output into 8 Ohms;
* Damping factor better than 10.000:1 into 8 Ohms, 20Hz…20kHz;
* Pink noise power output of 900W/1.440W/2.100W into 8/4/2 Ohms;
* Input sensitivity: 2V
* Dimensions 500x240x480 mm (19.7″x8.7″x26″) WxHxD
* Dimensions in box 640x360x570 mm WxHxD
* Net weight: 52 kg
* Btto weight: 64 kg each


One of the advantages of this amp is the phase shift, which is almost non existing (should match nicely with Magico speakers)
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Old 04-05-2017, 06:51 AM
SCAudiophile SCAudiophile is offline
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Karan does have a website (here is the page for the KAM900s);

http://www.karanacoustics.com/product/ka-m-900

A nice review of the KAM2000 monoblocks;

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/karan/2.html

Karan amps be it the stereo or monos are among the absolute finest sounding in the world IMHO. Back in the day, the top two SS amps (again IMHO) of all I've heard including alot of famous names, were Edge NL Reference and the big Karans. Karan does not get a lot of press and does not have a huge web presence but anyone lucky enough to lay their hands on one (or a pair of monos) generally keep them for many years. I'm not a specs junkie but if you check out that damping factor of 10,000:1, it is simply off the charts good. The raw power specs mean you have more than enough power to drive any load; couple that with a vice-like grip (high damping factor) and you've got an amp that is tough and possibly impossible to beat.

As you all know, I'm an Esoteric A-02 and Edge NL 12.1 fan; I wish I could have afforded the KAM2000 or KAM900 monos; I would not be thinking about any other amp in the world honestly, not even the Esoteric M1s whose damping factor and power specs are not as impressive as the Karans.

The KAM900s are large amps to say the least though and for some, this may rule them out. The KAM2000s are bigger still and take 2 power cords(!) per mono channel so that complexity may rule them out for many (as it did for me).

The attention to detail, component matching, build quality, etc...are very impressive.

You should hear them first if you have a chance to do so...
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Old 04-05-2017, 08:24 AM
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imprezap2 imprezap2 is offline
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Yes, I have seen that web page.
I have been offered to have a home demo with these amps, I will probably give them a try, the specs look very impressive, and most of the reviews I can find sound positive.

Initially I was looking at the stereo amp KAS600, but the weight is close to 90kg !!!
Then the KAM 900's are a bit easier to manage with around 56kg.
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Old 04-05-2017, 08:29 AM
SCAudiophile SCAudiophile is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by imprezap2 View Post
Yes, I have seen that web page.
I have been offered to have a home demo with these amps, I will probably give them a try, the specs look very impressive, and most of the reviews I can find sound positive.

Initially I was looking at the stereo amp KAS600, but the weight is close to 90kg !!!
Then the KAM 900's are a bit easier to manage with around 56kg.
I've heard the big stereo amp (a monster) and the 900 monos; they sound incredible and drove a number of speakers from easy to hard loads for all material from the most delicate passages to the most bombastic with ease.
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Old 05-10-2017, 04:46 PM
Superi Superi is offline
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Hi imprezap2

I'm from Serbia, had recently KAS 600 at my home for auditioning. Well, for the first time I heard what was potential of Bowers Diamond 800...I can't agree more with SCAudiophile: it sounds sublime with any genre of music. And that control of woofers is scary :-) But I was even more impressed with delicacy of diamond tweeter...With any mos fet amp I tried 800 D's they sound way too bright. With Karan I experience music coming from them. Somehow sound is much more coherent. I don't know is it about topology of Karan amps or due transistor used but it's funny coincidence few of recommended amps are Classe and Electrocompaniet who also use BJT, not mosfets...

If you can grab them, don't hesitate. I couldn't afford new KAS 600 but I'm looking a pair of 2nd hand...

Good luck,

I
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Old 12-02-2018, 05:59 PM
Thieliste Thieliste is offline
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I have auditioned to KAS 600 several times, easily outperformed by Ypsilon Aelius II or even better CH Precision M1.
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